PXW-FS5 / FS5K:Grab and Shoot with handheld Super 35

A handheld camera should be able to get you into tight places. To work in your lap. To move with the talent. To shoot high and low angles with equal agility. And because the FS5 is a Sony, there’s no compromises. Record 4K at 60/50fps in FS RAW* to go beyond what anyone ever imagined for a camcorder that weighs just 0.8kg.

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Ultimate mobility

The FS5 is a radical new design for unsurpassed on the go shooting in the most demanding of conditions. With a body-only weight less than half the FS7 at 0.8kg, you can shoot almost anywhere.Handheld operation is simply exceptional as the superbly balanced chassis is easily configured to shoot from high to low angles thanks to a flexible, rotatable grip and a LCD viewfinder that can be mounted in no less than nine locations. And as you’d expect from Sony, to provide complete control over lighting in fast moving situations, we invented the first built-in electronic Variable ND Filter for a Super35mm camcorder.

Adaptable design

When you’re in the field, you don’t want to lose time or miss any opportunity. The FS5 allows you to quickly add or remove components such as the grip and LCD viewfinder without special tools, while standard ¼-inch screw holes support mounting on a drone, gimbal or in a underwater housing.

α mount flexibility

Sony’s α mount system offers unsurpassed compatibility with both Sony and third-party lenses. The FS5’s E-Mount can take cinema lenses and SLR lenses with a third party adaptor, as well as Sony’s E-mount and A-mount lenses. So whether buying new lenses, or making use of lenses you’ve already purchased, the FS5 makes it easy.

You can also purchase the FS5 on its own (PXW-FS5) or with lens (PXW-FS5K).

Weighing only 427g, the SELP18105G is an ideal partner for the FS5 delivering stunning imagery with a 6x power zoom which is easily adjusted by a zoom lever on the camera’s grip and handle.

Maximum aperture is a constant F4 from 18mm to 105mm, with excellent resolution and contrast throughout.

A lever and ring on the lens barrel allow zoom speed to be freely adjusted as required while maintaining a sure, stable grip.

SELP18105G is supplied as standard with PXW-FS5K.

Handheld 4K

When quality is everything, make the most of the FS5’s Super 35 Exmor sensor and shoot 4K (3840 x 2160) using Sony's advanced XAVC (Long GOP) recording system. If you need a fast turnaround, switch to Full-HD (1920x1080) recording at up to 60p XAVC 10bit 4:2:2 50Mbps. The FS5 has the flexibility to suit how you need to work, today and tomorrow.
You can also output 4K 60p/50p, 30p/25p, 24p in FS RAW format with optional CBKZ-FS5RIF upgrade kit to record it on an external recorder.

240fps slow motion

High Frame Rate shots can turn everyday actions into slow-motion ballet and the FS5 delivers a stunning 240 frames per second (fps) in Full HD XAVC 10bit 4:2:2. If your project plays at the cinematic 24p, you get beautiful 10x Super Slow Motion. There's no sacrifice in bit depth and no "windowing" of the sensor. So there's no crop factor, no loss in angle of view.

Help's right here when you need it. PrimeSupport goes beyond your standard warranty, giving you privileged access to expert technical advice when you need it. And that's just the start. Depending on your Sony product and chosen level of PrimeSupport, you'll enjoy more great benefits for extra peace of mind.

Lightweight but robust

Despite its amazingly light 0.8kg body, the FS5 is more than tough enough for the rigors of real-world shooting. The main frame is magnesium, for high rigidity and light weight. Cooling is an urgent requirement in a 4K camera, all the more so in a camera as compact as the FS5.

An advanced cooling system design features a vertical heat sink placed directly beside the image sensor and main circuit board to maximise its effectiveness. An air duct cools the heat sink while isolating the electrical components from exposure to dust.

4K Super 35 Exmor® sensor

The FS5 is built around a high-sensitivity 4K Super35 "Exmor" CMOS Sensor that offers all the benefits of a large format sensor in combination with the exceptional image readout speeds required for 4K motion-picture shooting and Super Slow Motion.

Flexible controls

All of the FS5’s key functions are put at your fingertips - from an electronic zoom lever to assignable dials and responsive joystick. Direct Menu options display onscreen, so shooting parameters can be changed quickly and conveniently without taking your eyes off the action. You can select your audio source to output to the left or right channel of your headphones (requires Version 2.0 firmware or above). The smart grip is located as close as possible to the centre of gravity of the camera to avoid rolling, while a grip belt makes your hold completely secure. To adjust the smart grip’s angle, you only need to press one button and turn. Detaching the grip is made fast and simple with a bayonet connection.

Versatile monitoring

However you want to shoot, the FS5 adapts to fit your style. Its 3.5-inch LCD screen can be attached in no less than nine different locations, three on top of the handle and another six on top of the body. And once attached, the positioning of the screen can be freely adjusted – for example either beside the camera body or directly along the axis of the lens.

Modular design for easy integration

The FS5 is designed to be taken apart quickly and easily, with no need for custom tools. There are also ¼-inch screw holes on handle, top and bottom of the body to support mounting on a drone, gimbal or in a underwater housing. For tripod mounting, there’s a 3/8-inch screw hole on the bottom. You can even add the FS7’s rosette mount* to securely attach an FS7 arm and compatible third-party accessories.

* Rosette mount component available from Sony service centres.

Networked for high mobility

Live stream from any event thanks to a choice of Wi-Fi or built-in wired LAN.

High Frame Rate (HFR) recording

The FS5 offers High Frame Rate (HFR) cache recording at Full HD 10bit 4:2:2 image quality and a frame rate of up to 240 fps. The 8-second cache recording means no more mistimed shots leading to extra takes. It also lets you pick out footage at exactly the point that you want. It is also possible to record 120 fps with up to 16-second cache recording. Higher frame rates of 480 fps and 960 fps are also possible at specific resolutions. It is also possible to upgrade the FS5 for even greater creative flexibility.

CBKZ-FS5RIF** enables continuous 240fps in 2K RAW and maximum four seconds of 120fps in 4K (with a suitable recorder).

* Paid upgrade. V4 firmware required.

** Paid upgrade. V2 or above firmware required.

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Built-in electronic Variable ND Filters

The FS5 is the world's first Super35mm camcorder with a built-in electronic variable Neutral Density (ND) filter, further expanding the depth of field capability of its large format sensor. Unlike conventional optical ND filters, the electronic ND filter on the FS5 can be controlled from 1/4ND to 1/128ND linearly. ND Filters can also be set to auto*. This makes the FS5 ideal for fast-moving shoots in changeable environments - there’s no need to change filters as lighting conditions change and variable control makes it easy to keep depth of field under control.

*Sony market research, September 2015.

*Requires Version 2.0 firmware or above.

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Clear Image Zoom

This proprietary Sony technology significantly extends your ability to get closer to a remote scene while preserving image quality. Once you’ve zoomed in at maximum optical magnification, By Pixel Super Resolution Technology can enlarge the image by additional 200%. It is also compatible with fixed focal length lenses, so you can zoom into a scene while using a prime lens.

Centre Scan Mode

To support traditional Super 16mm cinema lenses, the FS5 has a Centre Scan Mode which selectively outputs 2160x1080 from the sensor’s centre. This gives the FS5 all the characteristics of a Super 16mm film camera and avoids any vignetting. It also offers a 2X Digital Extender zoom – effectively doubling your range for HD content.

Accurate OLED viewfinder

A high quality 0.39-inch OLED viewfinder is perfectly offset for right-eye or left-eye viewing OLED’s superb accuracy, high contrast and high resolution (1,440K dot) enables precise manual focus and eliminates any colour-breaking phenomenon.

To extend recording time and workflow flexibility, the FS5 is equipped with two memory card slots. “RELAY” mode automatically switches recording from the first to the second memory card when the first is full, while “SIMUL” mode permits simultaneous recording to two memory cards (for example to create an immediate back-up version). The FS5’s three Start/Stop buttons on the grip, handle and camcorder body, can independently start and stop recording on different memory cards while recording in “SIMUL” mode.

Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe

The FS5 takes advantage of Sony’s flexible Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, which provides power, signal connections and coordinated on/off switching to compatible Sony accessories. For example, you can connect and control Sony wireless microphone systems such as the UWP-D11 or UWP-D12 or attach the HVL-LBPC light.*

*Accessories sold separately. HVL-LBPC light does not draw power from FS5.

Dual XLR inputs

The FS5 has two XLR connecters – so even if you remove the handle with its standard, easy-access XLR connector then a second on the body is still available, making it ideal for applications such as shooting in a confined space, such as a car interior, or when mounting on a gimbal.

Beyond changing lenses.Changing the game.

FS5 belongs to Sony’s α mount system family of cameras with interchangeable lenses, offering unsurpassed compatibility with third-party lenses as well as Sony products. The FS5’s E-mount can take both cinema lenses used in cinematography and SLR lenses from stills photography, as well as Sony’s E-mount and A-mount lenses.

Sony, the lens company

There is no cinematography without lenses. That’s why Sony is a primary manufacturer of high quality lenses. And that’s why we build our own optics, based on our own designs in our own factories. We’re experts at selecting, moulding, polishing and coating the glass elements. We’re accomplished in the rarefied craft of integrating motors and drive systems. And we’re a primary innovator, as demonstrated by these recent advances

Sony’s remarkable E-mount Lenses

Traditional SLR lenses were designed exclusively for still images. While the optics may be fine, their behaviour during a motion picture shot can be highly compromised. Motor noise, abrupt zoom, stepped changes in iris, and unwanted magnification during focus can all take your audience out of the story. Sony’s E-mount lenses are different.

The PXW-FS5 accepts the growing range of Sony E-mount lenses (foreground), currently featuring over 20 models. Using Sony LA-EA3 and LA-EA4 adapters, sold separately (centre), the camera also accepts Sony’s range of over 30 A-mount lenses (background).

Sony combined professional camera expertise with state-of-the-art lens design and control to deliver exceptionally smooth tracking. Zooming is quiet as well as responsive thanks to advanced mechanisms and actuators. And Sony tests each lens individually to ensure high performance in every unit.

Iris

Background bokeh (defocusing) can be just as important in movies as it is in still images. Sony's well designed aperture contributes to smooth, beautiful bokeh with natural highlights. Iris noise can also be an issue in motion pictures. That’s why Sony incorporates uncommonly quiet, accurate and responsive iris control and actuator systems.

Focus

When making movies, you’re frequently focusing while shooting. A still camera lens can exhibit “focus breathing,” a jarring distraction that varies the angle of view. Sony E-mount lenses feature optical designs and control technology that minimize breathing. Sony's contactless linear motors eliminate gears and mechanical couplings. So focus is fast and quiet. With internal focusing, the front element of the lens does not rotate and the overall length of the lens does not change during focus.

The E-mount servo zooms

Sony extends the E-mount advantage to the maximum with a series of E-mount servo zooms, which include the SELP28135G, SELP18105G and SELP18200. They provide smoother zoom than you could accomplish by hand. Meticulous optical design maintains axial image consistency across the zoom range. Constant aperture eliminates unwanted exposure changes during a zoom.

SELP18105G is supplied as standard with PXW-FS5K.

This 6x zoom lens supports a constant maximum aperture of F4 throughout the zoom range, a powered zoom system with two separate controls, internal focusing and zoom and optical stabilisation.

SELP28135G

Focal Length

28-135 mm

35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) (mm)

42-202.5

Max. Aperture

Constant F4

Zoom

Power Zoom

Image Format

35mm Full Frame

G Lens

Yes

Image Stabilization

OSS

Coatings

Yes

Aspherical elements

Aspherical

Extra-Low Dispersion Glass

ED

Internal Focus

Yes

Internal Zoom

Yes

SELP28135G is supplied as standard with PXW-FS7K. For size, weight, price and exquisite performance in moving images, the Sony SELP28135G is the ideal partner for the PXW-FS7

SELP18105G

Focal Length

18-105 mm

35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) (mm)

27-157.5

Max. Aperture

Constant F4

Zoom

Power Zoom

Image Format

Super 35/APS-C

G Lens

Yes

Image Stabilization

OSS

Coatings

Yes

Aspherical elements

Aspherical

Extra-Low Dispersion Glass

ED

Internal Focus

Yes

Internal Zoom

Yes

SELP18105G is supplied as standard with PXW-FS5K.
This 6x zoom lens supports a constant maximum aperture of F4 throughout the zoom range, a powered zoom system with two separate controls, internal focusing and zoom and optical stabilisation.

SELP18200

Focal Length

18-200 mm

35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) (mm)

27-300

Max. Aperture

F3.5-6.3

Zoom

Power Zoom

Image Format

Super 35/APS-C

G Lens

-

Image Stabilization

OSS Active Mode

Coatings

Yes

Aspherical elements

Aspherical

Extra-Low Dispersion Glass

ED

Internal Focus

Yes

Internal Zoom

-

SELP18200 is available separately. Ideal for movies, the SELP18200 α lens features a smooth powered zoom, plus Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilisation with Active Mode for filming on the move

Sony A-mount lenses,via adapters

Sony's LA-EA3 and LA-EA4 lens adapters (sold separately) open up a wide range of A-mount lenses for Sony α interchangeable lens cameras . Choose portrait lenses, macro lenses, super telephoto lenses and a host of specialty glass that give you exceptional freedom in framing your shots. You also get extraordinary convenience with focus indication the camera’s viewfinder and aperture control in the camera’s smart grip.

Phase detection AF with the LA-EA4 adapter

Phase detection auto focus helps define the modern SLR, minimizing focus “hunt,” maximizing speed and accuracy. The LA-EA4 A-mount lens adapter, sold separately, brings this fundamental advance to professional moving pictures. You get fast, accurate focus even when the subject is moving quickly. The adapter incorporates Sony's award-winning Translucent Mirror Technology. While most of the incoming light goes to the camera, Sony's translucent mirror continuously directs a fraction of the light to the phase detection AF sensor.

SLR, DSLR and cinema lenses

The E-mount system's short flange-back distance enables use of cinema lenses, plus 35mm SLR and DSLR lenses from others via simple third-party adapters. For amazing creative freedom, you can reach beyond the standard primes and zooms to tilt shift and bellows lenses. Not locked into one type of lens mount or brand, you are free to choose what suits you best.

The right tools for every job

The PXW-FS5 is all about choices. Record internally in 4K or HD. Bend time with High Frame Rate shooting. Choose the latest space-saving XAVC Long GOP or the widely used HD standard AVCHD.

Internal 4K recording

Does a 4K camera make sense in an HD world? Perfect sense. Even if you're not planning on 4K production, the 8.8 megapixels of Sony's 4K image sensor enables you to shoot super-sampled HD, with detail and image texture that HD sensors cannot see. And if you want to record in 4K, the FS5 supports internal recording at frame rates of 23.98, 25 and 29.97fps. The camera is able to record QFHD (3840 x 2160) at 60 or 100 Mbps.

Colour, contrast and the XAVC codec

Today’s productions want more. More resolution with 4K. More frames per second with High Frame Rate recording. Better grayscale with 10-bit precision. Better colour rendition with 4:2:2. And today’s productions want to record it all at money-saving data rates. That’s why Sony created the extraordinarily capable XAVC codec. The XAVC Long GOP version captures Full HD in 10-bit, 4:2:2, at an economical 50 Mbps, 35 Mbps or even 25 Mbps (depending on your frame rate). You can shoot 4K in 4:2:0 at 100Mbps or 60Mbps.

12-bit linear RAW

The ultimate camera capture system records every nuance of light and shadow from the image sensor, preserving every detail from every pixel for full exploitation in post-production. That’s the concept behind Sony RAW recording. And for maximum flexibility and quality, the PXW-FS5 supports RAW recording on outboard recorders, sold separately.

Sony's 4K RAW recording system connects via the HXR-IFR5 interface to the AXS-R5 recorder and BP-FL75 battery. All these components are sold separately.

To enable RAW recording, first attach the HXR-IFR5 interface unit, sold separately. Then connect the lightweight AXS-R5 recorder*. Approximately 4 seconds of cached 4K RAW can be output. It is also possible to output continuous 2K RAW at 23.98, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94, 100, 120, 200 or 240 fps.

Conventional HD recording requires the image sensor signal to go through a demosaicing process, gamma encoding and a colour matrix—"baking in" many decisions that may be better left for post. RAW recording bypasses these processes, preserving more of the original camera signal for maximum image quality and maximum flexibility in post.

Derived 2K RAW without windowing.

Unique to this process, there is no line skipping or sensor windowing. So there's no crop factor, no loss in angle of view. With Sony, 2K RAW is not just a technical specification. It's a business model. Sony 2K RAW gives you everything you love about Super 35 cinematography with no telephoto conversion on your lenses. 2K RAW is a smart choice for HD productions and it consumes just one quarter the data of 4K RAW.

12-bit precision

AXS-R5 recordings capture linear light as 16-bit RAW with a 12-bit payload, resulting in 12 bits of precision. This delivers 64 times as many colours as 10-bit recording. The resulting files are compatible with the workflow tools used for F65, F55, F5, FS700 and FS7 RAW. Sony's RAW is also a powerful complement to the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) workflow.

You don’t have to spend hours patching together a science project; Sony provides a coordinated "off-line, on-line" workflow with simultaneous XAVC HD recording on SxS memory cards in the camcorder’s internal dual media slots and approximately 4 seconds of cached 4K RAW or continuous 2K RAW on the AXS-R5 RAW recorder. For seamless conforming in post, you get matching time code, start frame, stop frame, file names and other metadata.

S-Log3 and maximum grayscale

As the exposure latitude of modern cameras climbs, conventional HD recording systems are hard-pressed to keep pace. That’s why Sony developed S-Log, S-Log2 and now S-Log3. Sony’s most refined logarithmic gamma mode yet, S-Log3 enables faster, easier colour correction with more levels devoted to shadows and mid-tones for spectacular grayscale rendition. You’ll spend less time “getting into the ballpark,” leaving more time for creativity. Of course, for the S-log2 lover, Sony supports S-log2 gamma for PXW-FS5.

Two SD card slots

Dual SD Card slots enable simultaneous and relay recording. During relay recording, when one memory card becomes full, recording continues automatically to the other card. In simultaneous recording, you can record the same footage on both cards at the same time. Or you can use one card for selected shots while the other records continuously as backup.

SD Cards are widely available and highly cost-effective. SDXC media is required for XAVC-L recording. Sony recommends use of high quality media from reputable suppliers to ensure highest performance.

S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.cine

The camera features the ample colour space of S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.cine. The first reproduces the maximum available colour space, and is well suited to archiving. The second matches well with the Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) P3 colour space.

Available as a free Mac OS or Windows® download from Sony Creative Software, Catalyst Browse is a powerful clip management tool which will eventually replace the Sony Content Browser application. While Catalyst Browse offers many new features, not all functions of Content Browser have been duplicated.

Media production is growing more complicated. Turnaround times are getting tighter. You need a tool that eases the workload on your editor, ensuring that projects meet their deadlines. With Catalyst Prepare, a powerful, affordable tool from Sony Creative Software, you can quickly identify the right footage to deliver, in the correct format, with your desired folder and clip-naming structure, even when using a variety of popular cameras. Jumpstart the editing and review process by creating a rough cut storyboard with a quick initial colour grade, then render it out directly or export an EDL for use in popular NLEs.

In video, focus is critical. Catalyst Edit focuses on 4K and Sony RAW video editing so you can focus on your creativity. Deliver your most stunning video productions in all the glory you captured through your camera lens.

Bookmark this page to keep up-to-date with all the latest news for Sony’s FS5, including the latest videos, behind-the-scenes stories, tutorials and filming tips.

Mohamed El Sehrawy first impressions of Sony’s FS5 camcorder

Mohamed El Sehrawy is an Egyptian director with a background in photography and cinematography. When studying at the Met Film School in London, he won the 2013 Sony Production Awards with his short abstract film ‘For Granted.’

Philip Bloom shoots with FS5

“A smaller, lighter camera with similar features (to the FS7), that really interests me.”

Luana Knipfer's first impressions of Sony’s FS5 camcorder

“If you’re coming from DSLR cameras, this is a great step up – for corporate films, wedding productions, music videos – or as a powerful B-camera for bigger productions.”

Diving deep: Jason Wingrove explores the PXW-FS5

See Jason Wingrove put our new PXW-FS5 handheld Super 35 4K camera through its paces at Narrabeen Rock Pool near Sydney. See how it performs with stunning low-light shots and slow-motion footage.

FS5 In Action: US Glass Blowing Shoot

"You're dealing with two thousand degree glass a few inches from your hands, so you do have to be careful..."

FS5 In Action: Australia Shoot

Go behind the scenes with Den Lennie & Mick Jones on Sony's first official PXW-FS5 shoot. Amazing shots are captured using a drone, gimbal, car-mount and more that really demonstrate the flexibility of this super-lightweight, modular 4K Camcorder.

FS5 Australia Shoot: Behind The Scenes Interview

An on-location interview with Producer Den Lennie & DoP Mick Jones reveals what impressed them most about what they call the ‘little brother to the FS7'.